The future British king or queen might spend some of their early hours sleeping in a cardboard box – if a maternity package donated by Finland’s social security service proves a success.

The country has given a baby box to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they wait for their first baby’s arrival.

The brightly coloured cardboard box doubles as a cot, complete with mattress and sheets, and contains numerous baby items including a sleeping bag, jump suits, socks, pants, hats, bonnets and nappies. Maternity packages have been given to expectant mothers in Finland since 1938.

Kensington Palace said that the couple were “delighted” with the gift, and that “it was a very thoughtful gesture and we’re very grateful for it”.

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